Liquid crystal display apparatus

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal display apparatus includes a first substrate including a first electrode and an insulating layer arranged so as to cover an edge of the first electrode, a second substrate including a second electrode facing the first electrode and a second slit from which the second electrode is removed, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first electrode includes a plurality of first slits extending inwardly from the edge of the first electrode. The insulating layer and the plurality of first slits are arranged such that a position of an end of the insulating layer and a position of a tip to which the first slit extends are apart from each other in a region between the edge of the first electrode and the second slit in a direction in which the first slit extends.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. Ser. No. 14/472,884 filed Aug. 29, 2014,which is a division of U.S. Ser. No. 12/882,608 filed Sep. 15, 2010 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,842,246 issued Sep. 23, 2014), and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Japanese Patent Application No.2009-227915 filed Sep. 30, 2009; the entire contents of each of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a liquid crystaldisplay apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A liquid crystal display (LCD) is a flat panel display that is currentlyused in the widest range of applications. Applications includelarge-screen televisions, personal computers, factory automationequipment, office automation equipment, cellular telephones, and thelike.

Recently, LCDs have greatly advanced in display quality, and havereached a level equal to that of cathode ray tube (CRT) displays interms of contrast and color reproduction when viewed from directly infront.

With respect to viewing angle and animation characteristics (responsecharacteristics), however, problems still remain compared to CRTdisplays. From the viewpoint of improvement in viewing anglecharacteristics of LCDs, a liquid crystal display mode based onmulti-domain vertical alignment (MVA) was developed. In this mode,orientation of liquid crystal molecules included in a liquid crystallayer is controlled using structures or electrode slits provided on asubstrate.

More specifically, by arranging belt-shaped structures or electrodeslits on surfaces of top and bottom substrates one after another, theliquid crystal orientation is divided into two directions between thestructures or the electrode slits, and thereby liquid crystal domainsoriented at the difference of approximately 180 degrees are formed andorientation division was achieved. The MVA mode greatly improved theviewing angle characteristics of LCDs, which were even achieved at apractically sufficient level.

In MVA-based LCDs, however, the response rate in the tones from black togray is sometimes decreased, and improvement is required when it comesto application to television receivers or personal computers (PCs) foraudio visuals.

In an MVA-based liquid crystal display apparatus, liquid crystalmolecules are vertically oriented during an OFF voltage (black display),and is not equipped with a unit for inducing the liquid crystalmolecules about the inclination direction through the process of rubbingan orientation film as in the twisted nematic (TN) technology or thehomogeneous technology. In an MVA-based liquid crystal displayapparatus, inclination information of liquid crystal moleculespropagates from ribs (structures such as projections), electrode slits,or edges of pixel electrodes, and thereby liquid crystal molecules ofthe entire display region are operated.

Accordingly, since the voltage applied to a liquid crystal layer issmall when switching is made from a high-tone display to a low-tonedisplay, the propagation rate of inclination information of liquidcrystal molecules is decreased, and the time required for responsepropagation of liquid crystal molecules is sometimes increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration example of a liquid crystal displayapparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration example of a display pixel of aliquid crystal display apparatus according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a cross section of line III-III shownin FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a simulation result of an equipotentialplane in the vicinity of an edge of a pixel electrode;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a simulation result of an equipotentialplane in the vicinity of an edge of a pixel electrode;

FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration example of a display pixel of aliquid crystal display apparatus according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of cross section along line VII-VII shownin FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration example of a display pixel of aliquid crystal display apparatus according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a cross section along line IX-IX shownin FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration example of a display pixel of aliquid crystal display apparatus according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross section along line XI-XI shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration example of a display pixel of aliquid crystal display apparatus according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a cross section along line XIII-XIIIshown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration example of a display pixel of aliquid crystal display apparatus according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross section along line XV-XV shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 illustrates a configuration example of a display pixel of aliquid crystal display apparatus according to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a cross section along line XVII-XVIIin FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a configuration example of a display pixel of a liquidcrystal display apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a cross section along line XIX-XIX shown in FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a liquid crystal displayapparatus comprises a first substrate including a first electrode and aninsulating layer arranged so as to cover an edge of the first electrode;a second substrate including a second electrode facing the firstelectrode and a second slit from which the second electrode is removed;and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate andthe second substrate. The first electrode includes a plurality of firstslits extending inwardly from the edge of the first electrode, and theinsulating layer and said plurality of first slits are arranged suchthat a position of an end of the insulating layer and a position of atip to which the first slit extends are apart from each other in aregion between the edge of the first electrode and the second slit in adirection in which the first slit extends.

Hereinafter, a liquid crystal display apparatus according to a firstembodiment of the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a liquid crystal displayapparatus 1 includes an array substrate (first substrate) 101 and anopposite substrate 102 arranged so as to face each other, a liquidcrystal layer LQ interposed between the array substrate 101 and theopposite substrate 102, and a display module 110 including a pluralityof display pixels PX arranged in a matrix.

The array substrate 101 includes a plurality of pixel electrodes (firstelectrodes) PE arranged on a transparent substrate (not shown) via aninsulating layer (not shown) and a conductive layer, a scanning line YLextending approximately in parallel to the line direction in which thedisplay pixels PX are arranged in the display module 110 and arranged ina region surrounding the pixel electrodes PE, and a signal line XLarranged so as to extend approximately in parallel to the row directionin which the display pixels PX are arranged.

The pixel electrode PE is formed of a transparent conductive material,such as indium tin oxide (ITO), and is arranged in each of the displaypixels PX. The pixel electrodes PE are covered with an orientation film(not shown). The pixel electrode PE has a width of 90 μm, for example,in its longitudinal direction (X-direction shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), andhas a width of 25 to 30 μm, for example, in the direction approximatelycrossing the longitudinal direction.

The scanning line YL is connected to a scanning line driving circuit 121arranged outside the display module 110. The signal line XL is connectedto the signal line driving circuit 122 arranged outside the displaymodule 110.

In each of the display pixels PX, a pixel switch SW is arranged in thevicinity of the position at which the scanning line YL and the signalline XL cross. The pixel switch SW includes a thin-film transistor, forexample, as a switching element. A gate electrode of the pixel switch SWis electrically connected to (or is integrally formed with) acorresponding scanning line YL. A source electrode of the pixel switchSW is electrically connected to (or integrally formed with) acorresponding signal line XL. The drain electrode of the pixel switch SWis electrically connected to (or integrally formed with) the pixelelectrode PE.

When the scanning line driving circuit 121 selects a scanning line YL, asource-drain path of the pixel switch SW is brought into conduction, anda video signal is applied to the pixel electrode PE from a correspondingsignal line XL via the pixel switch SW.

The opposite substrate 102 includes a color filter arranged on an upperlayer of a transparent substrate (not shown), an opposite electrode(second electrode) CE (second electrode) arranged on the upper layer ofthe color filter so as to face the pixel electrodes PE, and anorientation film (not shown) covering the opposite electrode CE. Anopposite voltage is supplied to the opposite electrode CE from anopposite electrode driving circuit, not shown.

The array substrate 101 and the opposite substrate 102 are fixed suchthat the orientation films face each other, and a polarization plate(not shown) is attached to the outside of the array substrate 101 andthe opposite substrate 102. The liquid crystal layer LQ is formed of aliquid crystal material having negative dielectric constant anisotropy.

The liquid crystal display apparatus of the present embodiment is aliquid crystal display apparatus of the vertically aligned (VA) mode, inwhich liquid crystal molecules included in the liquid crystal layer LQare arranged in an approximately vertical direction with respect to thesubstrate surface of the array substrate 101 and the opposite substrate102 when a voltage is not applied, and are arranged approximately inparallel to the substrate surface of the array substrate 101 and theopposite substrate 102 when a predetermined voltage is applied.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the liquid crystal display apparatusaccording to the present embodiment, an insulating body facing the pixelelectrode PE is arranged on the opposite electrode CE, and the pixelelectrode PE includes a slit SL.

The insulating body includes a rib 104 extending in a direction(Y-direction) approximately crossing the longitudinal direction(X-direction) of the pixel electrode PE, and an insulating layer 106arranged so as to interpose the rib 104 in the longitudinal direction(X-direction) of the pixel electrode PE. The rib 104 is a ribbedprojection extending in the Y-direction, and faces a center portion ofthe pixel electrode PE in the X-direction. An end of the side apart fromthe rib 104 of the insulating layer 106 is formed such that itsthickness (width in the Z-direction) gradually decreases in theX-direction.

In the case shown in FIG. 3, an end of the insulating layer 106 and anend of the rib 104 vary in thickness such that its inclination surface(surface on which the liquid crystal layer LQ contacts via theorientation film) makes an acute angle in a clockwise direction withrespect to the substrate surface of the opposite substrate 102, and adistance from the top surface of the opposite electrode CE to theinclination surface gradually decreases toward the insulating layer 106or the edge of the rib 104.

In the thickness direction (Z-direction) of the liquid crystal displayapparatus 1, the thickness of the insulating layer 106 is smaller thanthe thickness of the rib 104. In the case shown in FIG. 3, the thicknessof the insulating layer 106 in the Z-direction is approximately ⅓ to ⅔of the thickness of the rib 104. For example, the thickness of theZ-direction of the liquid crystal layer LQ is approximately 3 to 3.5 μm,the thickness of the rib 104 is approximately 1.5 μm, and the thicknessof the insulating layer 106 is 0.5 μm to 1.0 μm.

The slit SLT of the pixel electrode PE extends in the X-direction froman edge extending in the direction (Y-direction) approximately crossingthe longitudinal direction (X-direction) of the pixel electrode PE. Thewidth of the slit SLT in the Y-direction is approximately 5 μm. Thepixel electrode PE has an approximately rectangular shape including twoedges extending in the X-direction and two edges extending in theY-direction. The edge extending in the Y-direction of the pixelelectrode PE extends discontinuously from the slit SLT.

In the longitudinal direction (X-direction) of the pixel electrode PE,the insulating layer 106 and the slits SLT are arranged in a regionbetween the edge of the pixel electrode PE and the end of the rib 104,such that the position of an edge P2 of the insulating layer 106 and theposition of a tip P1 to which the slit SLT extends are apart from eachother. In the liquid crystal display apparatus according to the presentembodiment, the edge P2 of the insulating layer 106 and the tip P1 towhich the slit SLT extends are arranged in this order from the positionin which the rib 104 is arranged toward the edge of the pixel electrodePE, with respect to the X-direction.

The rib 104, the slit SLT, and the insulating layer 106 are arrangedsuch that a distance L1 from the edge of the pixel electrode PEextending in the Y-direction, a distance L2 from the tip of the slit SLTto the end of the insulating layer 106, and a distance L3 from the endof the insulating layer 106 to the rib 104 become approximately equal.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an example of a result obtained by simulating thepotential in the vicinity of the edge of the pixel electrode PE in whichthe slit SLT is not provided and the potential of the pixel electrode PEin which the slit SLT is provided. By measuring the potential in thevicinity of the edge of the pixel electrode PE in which the slit SLT isnot provided, an equipotential plane shown in FIG. 5 is formed.

In the case shown in FIG. 4, inclination of the potential is caused onlyin the vicinity of the edge of the pixel electrode PE. On the otherhand, in the case shown in FIG. 5, inclination of the potential iscaused in the position of the edge of the slit SLT too. Accordingly,when the slit SLT is provided in the pixel electrode PE, an originatingpoint from which the liquid crystal molecules LQA are inclined is causedin the vicinity of the edge of the pixel electrode PE and the edge P1 ofthe slit SLT.

Similarly, inclination of the potential is caused in the vicinity of theinclined end of the rib 104 and the insulating layer 106. Accordingly,an originating point from which the liquid crystal molecules LQA areinclined is caused in the vicinity of the end of the rib 104 and the endof the insulating layer 106.

Accordingly, in the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to thepresent embodiment, the originating point P1 of inclination of theliquid crystal molecules LQA due to distortion in electric field in thevicinity of the tip of the slit SLT and the originating point P2 of theinclination of the liquid crystal molecules LQA at the end of theinsulating layer 106 are generated in different positions in theX-direction.

Thereby, inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LQA propagates fromthe tip P1 of the slit SLT and the edge P2 of the insulating layer 106,as well as from the edge of the pixel electrode PE and the end of therib 104. Accordingly, when the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 arearranged as in the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of the presentembodiment, the distance between the originating points of theinclination information propagation of the liquid crystal molecules LQAis decreased. Further, the insulating layer 106 makes it possible toform regions with different threshold voltages for orienting the liquidcrystal molecules LQA in the display pixel PX. By providing regions withdifferent threshold voltages in the display pixel PX and through theaction of the slit SLT, orientation of the liquid crystal molecules LQAin an arbitrary place in the display pixel PX can be uniformlydetermined.

As a result thereof, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 3, inclinationinformation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA propagates throughoutthe display pixel PX from the originating point of the inclinationinformation propagation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA, and therebythe response time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA is decreased.

In particular, since the originating point of the inclinationinformation propagation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA is providedin the region between the edge of the pixel electrode PE and the edge ofthe rib 104, the response time can be decreased with respect to theliquid crystal molecules LQA existing in positions apart from both ofthe edge of the pixel electrode PE and the rib 104 as well.

Accordingly, the response time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA isimproved in an arbitrary tone display, including a gray level display.In particular, the response time required for switching from blackdisplay to low tones is greatly improved.

Conventionally, when the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 are notprovided, the maximum value of the response time of the liquid crystalmolecules LQA at the time of change of tones was approximately 100 ms.By providing the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 as describedabove, the maximum value of the response time of the liquid crystalmolecules LQA when the tone changes has been improved to less than orequal to approximately 100 ms.

As described above, it is possible to increase the number of originatingpoints from which the operation of inclining the liquid crystalmolecules propagate, and in particular to greatly improve the responsetime at low tones. That is, according to the liquid crystal displayapparatus according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improvedelay in time required for response propagation of the liquid crystalmolecules, and to provide a liquid crystal display apparatus excellentin display qualities.

When the rib 104 and the insulating layer 106 of the liquid crystaldisplay apparatus according to the present embodiment are formed, therib 104 and the insulating layer 106 may be either separately formed orintegrally formed. The liquid crystal display apparatus 1 forms thepixel switch SW through a general process of repeating film formationand patterning, as in the process of forming a general active matrixelement.

First, a film is formed with a predetermined thickness throughsputtering using molybdenum, for example, on a transparent substrate ofthe array substrate 101, and the scanning line YL and the gate electrodeof the pixel switch SW extending from the scanning line YL are patternedinto a predetermined shape through photolithography.

Silicon dioxide or silicon nitride, for example, is formed thereon witha predetermined thickness so as to form a gate insulating film layer(not shown), and a semiconductor layer (not shown) of the switchingelement SW is provided thereon. A signal line XL formed of aluminum witha predetermined thickness, a drain electrode and a source electrodeextending from the signal line XL, are formed thereon, and a pixelswitch SW and necessary wirings and the like are formed.

After that, an interlayer insulating layer is formed, and a pixelelectrode PE and a drain electrode of the pixel switch SW are formedthrough lithography by sputtering the ITO with a predeterminedthickness. In that case, a slit SLT is also formed so as to extend inthe X-direction from the edge of the pixel electrode PE.

A photosensitive resist including red pigments in a distributed manneris coated on the entire surface of the opposite substrate 102 using aspinner, and the substrate is exposed via a photomask that allowsultraviolet rays to be irradiated only on the portion in which a redlayer is to be formed, after the substrate is dried. Next, the exposedcolored layer is developed, and a red filter layer is formed by bakingthe developed layer.

Similarly, by repeatedly forming a green filter layer and a blue filterlayer using a photosensitive resist including green and blue pigments ina distributed manner, color filter layers are obtained.

Further, a photosensitive black resin is applied on the substrate usinga spinner, and the substrate is exposed via a photomask that letsultraviolet rays to be irradiated between a spacer (not shown) and thedisplay pixels PX, and on an outer peripheral portion of the displaymodule 110 after being dried. After that, the substrate is developedusing an alkaline aqueous solution, and a spacer and a light-shieldinglayer are patterned by burning the substrate.

Next, an opposite electrode CE is formed through ITO sputtering, forexample. After that, an insulating material is applied on the oppositeelectrode CE with a predetermined thickness, so as to form a rib 104 andan insulating layer 106. In this case, the insulating material isapplied on the end of the insulating layer 106 such that its thicknessgradually decreases. After that, exposure and development is carried outvia a predetermined photomask, and thereby the insulating layer 106 isformed. Similarly, an insulating material is applied with apredetermined thickness such that the thickness of the end graduallydecreases, exposure and development is performed via a predeterminedphotomask, and thereby the rib 104 independent from the insulating layer106 is formed.

When the rib 104 and the insulating layer 106 are integrally formed, aphotosensitive insulating material is applied with a predetermined filmthickness, and then the amount of exposure is adjusted when exposure iscarried out.

After that, an orientation film indicating verticality is applied toeach of the obtained array substrate 101 and opposite substrate 102 witha predetermined thickness, and an end surface of the array substrate 101and the end surface of the opposite substrate 102 are attached with ajig, and bonded using an adhesive agent formed of an epoxy thermosetresin, for example.

After that, a liquid crystal material having negative dielectricconstant anisotropy is charged into the cell and a liquid crystal layerLQ is formed, an inlet is sealed with an ultraviolet curable resin, apolarization plate is attached, and thereby a liquid crystal displayapparatus 1 is manufactured.

The above-described liquid crystal display apparatus is merely anexample, and the liquid crystal display apparatus according to thepresent embodiment may be manufactured by any manufacturing methodincluding a step of forming the slit SLT in the pixel electrode PE and astep of forming the rib 104 and the insulating layer 106 on the oppositesubstrate 102.

Next, the liquid crystal display apparatus according to the secondembodiment will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. In the description that follows, structural elements same asthose of the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detaileddescriptions of such elements will be omitted.

The liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment is different from the above-described liquid crystal displayapparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration ofthe slit SLT of the pixel electrode PE and the insulating layer 106. Asshown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pixel electrode PE includes a plurality ofslits SLT extending in the X-direction from an edge extending in adirection (Y-direction) approximately crossing its longitudinaldirection (X-direction).

An insulating layer 106 is arranged on an opposite electrode CE. An endon the side apart from a rib 104 of the insulating layer 106 isconfigured such that its thickness (width in the Z-direction) graduallydecreases in the X-direction.

In the case shown in FIG. 7, an end of the insulating layer 106 and anend of the rib 104 vary in thickness such that an inclination surface(surface contacting the liquid crystal layer LQ via an orientation film)makes an acute angle in a clockwise direction with respect to thesubstrate surface of the opposite substrate 102.

The insulating layer 106 and the slits SLT are arranged in a regionbetween an edge of the pixel electrode PE in a direction (X-direction)in which the slit SLT extends and the position in which the rib 104 isarranged, such that the position of an end P2 of the insulating layer106 and the position of a tip P1 to which the slit SLT extends are apartfrom each other.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment, originating points from which the liquid crystal moleculesLQA are inclined are arranged in the order of the tip P1 to which theslit SLT extends and the edge P2 of the insulating layer 106, from theposition in which the rib 104 is arranged to the edge of the pixelelectrode PE, with respect to the X-direction, as shown in FIGS. 6 and7. Accordingly, the edge P2 of the insulating layer 106 faces a portionof the slit SLT in the Z-direction.

The rib 104, the slit SLT, and the insulating layer 106 are arrangedsuch that a distance L1 from the edge of the pixel electrode PE alongthe Y-direction to the tip of the slit SLT is approximately double adistance L2 from the tip of the slit SLT to the end of the insulatinglayer 106, and a length obtained by subtracting distance L2 fromdistance L1 and a distance L3 from the end of the insulating layer 106to the rib 104 become approximately equal.

By thus arranging the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106, anoriginating point P1 of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LQAdue to distortion in electric field in the vicinity of the tip of theslit SLT and an originating point P2 of the inclination operation of theliquid crystal molecules LQA at the end of the insulating layer 106 aregenerated in different positions with respect to the X-direction, as inthe case of the above-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1according to the first embodiment.

Thus, the inclination operation of the liquid crystal molecules LQApropagates from the tip P1 of the slit SLT and the edge P2 of theinsulating layer 106, as well as from the edge of the pixel electrode PEand from the end of the rib 104. Accordingly, the distance between theoriginating points of the inclination operation propagation of theliquid crystal molecules LQA can be decreased.

As a result thereof, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 7, the inclinationoperation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA propagates throughout thedisplay pixel PX from the originating point of the inclination operationpropagation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA, and the response timeof the liquid crystal molecules LQA is decreased.

Conventionally, when the tone is varied in the case where the slit SLTand the insulating layer 106 are not provided, the maximum value of theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA was approximately 200ms. By providing the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 as above, themaximum value of the liquid crystal molecules LQA when the tone varieshas been improved to less than or equal to approximately 100 ms.

That is, according to the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of thepresent embodiment, delay in time required for response propagation ofliquid crystal molecules is improved, and a liquid crystal displayapparatus excellent in display qualities is provided, as in theabove-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to thefirst embodiment.

In the above-described second embodiment, distance L1 from the edge ofthe pixel electrode PE extending in the Y-direction to the tip of theslit SLT in the X-direction is approximately double distance L2 from thetip of the slit SLT to the end of the insulating layer 106, but distanceL1 is not limited thereto and may be varied as appropriate so as toobtain a desired value of the transmittance, the response time, and thelike.

Next, the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the thirdembodiment will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of the presentembodiment includes an array substrate 101 and an opposite substrate102, as in the case of the above-described liquid crystal displayapparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment, the configuration of the insulating layer 106 is differentfrom that of the above-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1according to the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9,the array substrate 101 includes an insulating layer 106 arranged on apixel electrode PE.

The pixel electrode PE includes a plurality of slits SLT extending inthe X-direction from an edge extending in a direction (Y-direction)approximately crossing its longitudinal direction (X-direction). Aninsulating layer 106 is arranged on the pixel electrode PE. Theinsulating layer 106 covers the slits SLT and the edge of the pixelelectrode PE on which the slits SLT are provided.

The insulating layer 106 is positioned such that its end is positionedin a region between a position of a tip P1 to which the slit SLT extendsin the X-direction and a position in which a rib 104 is arranged. Theend arranged on the pixel electrode PE of the insulating layer 106 isconfigured such that its thickness (width in the Z-direction) graduallydecreases in the X-direction.

In the case shown in FIG. 9, the end of the insulating layer 106 and theend of the rib 104 vary in thickness such that the inclination surface(surface contacting the liquid crystal layer LQ via the orientationfilm) forms an acute angle in a clockwise direction with respect to thesubstrate surface.

In the present embodiment, the rib 104, the slit SLT, and the insulatinglayer 106 are arranged such that a distance L1 from the edge of thepixel electrode PE along the Y-direction to the tip of the slit SLT, adistance L2 from the tip of the slit SLT to the end P2 of the insulatinglayer 106, and a distance L3 from the end of the insulating layer 106 tothe rib 104 become approximately equal.

By thus arranging the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106, anoriginating point P1 of inclination operation of the liquid crystalmolecules LQA due to distortion in electric field in the vicinity of thetip of the slit SLT and an originating point P2 of inclination operationof the liquid crystal molecules LQA at the end of the insulating layer106 are generated in different positions in the X-direction, as in thecase of the above-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 accordingto the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus according to the presentembodiment, the edge P2 of the insulating layer 106 and the tip P1 towhich the slit SLT extends are arranged in this order toward the edge ofthe pixel electrode PE from the position in which the rib 104 isarranged, with respect to the X-direction.

Thus, the inclination operation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA atthe end of the insulating layer 106 propagate from the tip P1 of theslit SLT and the edge P2 of the insulating layer 106, as well as fromthe edge of the pixel electrode PE and from the end of the rib 104.Accordingly, the distance between the originating points of theinclination operation propagation of the liquid crystal molecules LQAcan be decreased.

As a result thereof, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 9, the inclinationoperation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA propagate throughout thedisplay pixel PX from the originating points of the inclinationoperation propagation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA, and theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA is decreased.

Conventionally, when the tone is varied in the case where the slit SLTand the insulating layer 106 are not provided, the maximum value of theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA was approximately 200ms. By providing the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 as above, themaximum value of the liquid crystal molecules LQA when the tone varieshas been improved to less than or equal to approximately 100 ms.

That is, according to the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of thepresent embodiment, delay in time required for response propagation ofliquid crystal molecules is improved, and a liquid crystal displayapparatus excellent in display qualities is provided, as in theabove-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to thefirst embodiment.

Next, the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the fourthembodiment will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. A liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of the present embodimentincludes an array substrate 101 and an opposite substrate 102, as in thecase of the above-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 accordingto the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment, the configuration of the insulating layer 106 is differentfrom the above-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according tothe first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the arraysubstrate 101 includes an insulating layer 106 arranged on the pixelelectrode PE.

The pixel electrode PE includes a plurality of slits SLT extending inthe X-direction from an edge extending in a direction (Y-direction)approximately crossing its longitudinal direction (X-direction). Aninsulating layer 106 is arranged on the pixel electrode PE. Theinsulating layer 106 covers the edge of the pixel electrode PE on whichthe slits SLT are provided.

In the present embodiment, a tip to which the slit SLT extends isarranged in a region between a position of an end of the insulatinglayer 106 arranged on the pixel electrode PE and a position in which arib 104 is arranged. The end of the insulating layer 106 arranged on thepixel electrode PE is configured such that its thickness (width in theZ-direction) gradually decreases in the X-direction.

In the case shown in FIG. 11, the end of the insulating layer 106 andthe end of the rib 104 vary in thickness such that the inclinationsurface (surface contacting the liquid crystal layer LQ via anorientation film) forms an acute angle in a clockwise direction withrespect to the substrate surface of the opposite substrate 102.

In the present embodiment, the rib 104, the slit SLT, and the insulatinglayer 106 are arranged such that a distance L1 from the edge of thepixel electrode PE extending in the Y-direction to the tip of the slitSLT is approximately double a distance L2 from the tip of the slit SLTto the end P2 of the insulating layer 106, and a length obtained bysubtracting distance L2 from distance L1, distance L2, and a distance L3from the end of the insulating layer 106 to the rib 104 becomeapproximately equal.

By thus arranging the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106, anoriginating point P1 of inclination of the liquid crystal molecules LQAdue to distortion in electric field in the vicinity of the tip of theslit SLT and an originating point P2 of the inclination operation of theliquid crystal molecules at the end of the insulating layer 106 aregenerated in different positions with respect to the X-direction, as inthe case of the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to thefirst embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus according to the presentembodiment, the tip P1 to which the slit SLT extends and the edge P2 ofthe insulating layer 106 are arranged in this order toward the edge ofthe pixel electrode PE from the position in which the rib 104 isarranged, with respect to the X-direction.

Thus, the inclination operation of the liquid crystal molecules LQApropagates from the tip P1 of the slit SLT and the edge P2 of theinsulating layer 106, as well as from the edge of the pixel electrode PEand from the end of the rib 104. Accordingly, the distance between theoriginating points of the inclination operation propagation of theliquid crystal molecules LQA can be decreased.

As a result thereof, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 11, the inclinationoperation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA propagates throughout thedisplay pixel PX from the originating points of the inclinationoperation propagation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA, and theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA is decreased.

Conventionally, when the tone is varied in the case where the slit SLTand the insulating layer 106 are not provided, the maximum value of theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA was approximately 200ms. By providing the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 as above, themaximum value of the liquid crystal molecules LQA when the tone varieshas been improved to less than or equal to approximately 100 ms.

That is, according to the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of thepresent embodiment, delay in time required for response propagation ofliquid crystal molecules is improved, and a liquid crystal displayapparatus excellent in display qualities can be provided, as in theabove-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to thefirst embodiment.

Next, the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the fifthembodiment will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. A liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of the present embodimentincludes an array substrate 101 and an opposite substrate 102, as in thecase of the above-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 accordingto the first embodiment. The array substrate 101 includes a pixelelectrode PE. The opposite substrate 102 includes an opposite electrodeCE facing the pixel electrode PE, a slit CEA from which the oppositeelectrode CE is removed, and an insulating layer 106 arranged so as tocover the slit CEA.

The pixel electrode PE includes a plurality of slits SLT extendinginwardly from its edge. The insulating layer 106 and the slits SLT arearranged such that the position of the end P2 of the insulating layer106 and the position of the tip P1 to which the slit SLT extends areapart from each other in the region between the edge of the pixelelectrode PE and the slit CEA in a direction (X-direction) in which theslit SLT extends.

That is, in the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of the presentembodiment, the opposite substrate 102 does not include a rib, as shownin FIGS. 12 and 13. The opposite electrode CE includes a slit CEA fromwhich the electrode is removed so as to extend in the Y-direction in theposition facing the pixel electrode PE. The slit CEA is formed when theopposite electrode CE is patterned.

An insulating layer 106 is arranged on the opposite electrode CE so asto cover the slit CEA. The end of the insulating layer 106 is configuredsuch that its thickness (width in the Z-direction) gradually decreasesin the X-direction.

In the case shown in FIG. 13, the end of the insulating layer 106 variesin thickness such that the inclination surface (surface contacting theliquid crystal layer LQ via an orientation film) forms an acute angle ina clockwise direction with respect to the substrate surface of theopposite substrate 102.

In the present embodiment, the end P2 of the insulating layer 106arranged on the opposite electrode CE is positioned in a region betweenthe position of the end P1 to which the slit SLT extends and theposition of the edge of the slit CEA extending in the Y-direction, withrespect to the X-direction.

The slit CEA, the slit SLA, and the insulating layer 106 are arrangedsuch that a distance L1 from the edge of the pixel electrode PE alongthe Y-direction to the tip of the slit SLT, a distance L2 from the tipof the slit SLT to the end P2 of the insulating layer 106, and adistance L3, from the end of the insulating layer 106 to the slit CEAbecome approximately equal.

By thus providing the slit CEA instead of the rib 104 and arranging theslit SLT and the insulating layer 106, an originating point P1 of aninclination operation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA due todistortion in electric field in the vicinity of the tip of the slit SLTand an originating point P2 of the inclination operation of the liquidcrystal molecules LQA at the end of the insulating layer 106 aregenerated in different positions in the X-direction, as in the case ofthe liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the firstembodiment.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus according to the presentembodiment, the edge P2 of the insulating layer 106 and the tip P1 towhich the slit SLT extends are arranged in this order toward the edge ofthe pixel electrode PE from the position in which the rib 104 isarranged, with respect to the X-direction.

Thereby, the inclination operation of the liquid crystal molecules LQApropagates from the tip P1 of the slit SLT and the edge P2 of theinsulating layer 106, as well as from the edge of the pixel electrode PEand the end of the rib 104. Accordingly, the distance between theoriginating points of the inclination operation propagation of theliquid crystal molecules LQA can be decreased.

As a result thereof, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 13, the inclinationoperation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA propagates throughout thedisplay pixel PX from the originating points of the inclinationoperation propagation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA, and theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA is decreased.

Conventionally, when the tone is varied in the case where the slit SLTand the insulating layer 106 are not provided, the maximum value of theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA was approximately 200ms. By providing the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 as above, themaximum value of the liquid crystal molecules LQA when the tone varieshas been improved to less than or equal to approximately 100 ms.

That is, according to the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of thepresent embodiment, delay in time required for response propagation ofliquid crystal molecules is improved, and a liquid crystal displayapparatus excellent in display qualities is provided, as in theabove-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to thefirst embodiment.

Next, a liquid crystal display apparatus according to the sixthembodiment of will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to thepresent embodiment comprises an array substrate 101 and an oppositesubstrate 102, as in the case of the liquid crystal display apparatus 1according to the above-described first embodiment. The array substrate101 includes a pixel electrode PE. The opposite substrate 102 includesan opposite electrode CE facing the pixel electrode PE, a slit CEA fromwhich the opposite electrode CE is removed, and an insulating layer 106arranged so as to cover the slit CEA.

The pixel electrode PE includes a plurality of slits SLT extendinginwardly from the edge thereof. The insulating layer 106 and the slitsSLT are arranged such that the position of the end P2 of the insulatinglayer 106 and the position of the tip P1 to which the slit SLT extendsare apart from each other, in a region between the edge of the pixelelectrode PE in the direction (X-direction) in which the slit SLTextends and the position in which the rib 104 is arranged.

That is, in the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of the presentembodiment, the opposite substrate 102 does not include a rib, as shownin FIGS. 14 and 15. The opposite electrode CE includes the slit CEA fromwhich the electrode is removed so as to extend in the Y-direction in aposition facing the pixel electrode PE. The slit CEA is formed when theopposite electrode CE is patterned.

The insulating layer 106 is arranged on the opposite electrode CE so asto cover the slit CEA. The end of the insulating layer 106 is configuredsuch that the thickness (width in the Z-direction) gradually decreasesin the X-direction.

In the case shown in FIG. 15, the end of the insulating layer 106 variesin thickness such that an inclination surface (surface contacting theliquid crystal layer LQ via an orientation film) forms an acute angle ina clockwise direction with respect to the substrate surface of theopposite substrate 102.

In the present embodiment, an end P2 of the insulating layer 106arranged on the opposite electrode CE is positioned in a region betweena position of the edge P1 to which the slit SLT extends and a positionof the edge extending in the Y-direction of the slit CEA.

The slit CEA, the slit SLA, and the insulating layer 106 are arrangedsuch that a difference (L1−L2) between a distance L1 from the edge ofthe pixel electrode PE along the Y-direction to the tip P1 of the slitSLT and a distance L2 from the tip of the slit SLT to the end P2 of theinsulating layer 106, distance L2 from the tip of the slit SLT from theend P2 of the insulating layer 106 to the tip P1 of the slit SLT, and adistance L3 from the tip P1 of the slit SLT to the slit CEA becomeapproximately equal.

By thus providing the slit CEA instead of the rib 104 and arranging theslit SLT and the insulating layer 106, an originating point P1 of theinclination operation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA due todistortion in electric field in the vicinity of the tip of the slit SLTand an originating point P2 of the inclination operation of the liquidcrystal molecules LQA at the end of the insulating layer 106 aregenerated in different positions with respect to the X-direction, as inthe case of the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to thefirst embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus according to the presentembodiment, the tip P1 from which the slit SLT extends and the edge P2of the insulating layer 106 are arranged in this order toward the edgeof the pixel electrode PE from the position in which the slit CEA isarranged, with respect to the X-direction.

Accordingly, the inclination operation of the liquid crystal moleculespropagates from the tip P1 of the slit SLT and the edge P2 of theinsulating layer 106, as well as from the edge of the pixel electrode PEand the end of the slit CEA. Accordingly, the distance between theoriginating points of the inclination operation propagation of theliquid crystal molecules LQA can be decreased.

As a result thereof, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 15, the inclinationoperation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA propagates throughout thedisplay pixel PX from the originating point of the inclination operationpropagation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA, and the response timeof the liquid crystal molecules LQA is decreased.

Conventionally, when the tone varies in the case where the slit SLT andthe insulating layer 106 are not provided, the maximum value of theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA was approximately 200ms. By providing the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 as describedabove, the maximum value of the response time of the liquid crystalmolecules LQA when the tone varies has been improved to less than orequal to approximately 100 ms.

That is, according to the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of thepresent embodiment, as in the case of the above-described liquid crystaldisplay apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, delay in time required forresponse propagation of the liquid crystal molecules is improved, and aliquid crystal display apparatus excellent in display qualities can beprovided.

Next, a liquid crystal display apparatus according to the seventhembodiment of will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. A liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment comprises an array substrate 101 and an opposite substrate102, as in the case of the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 accordingto the above-described first embodiment. In the liquid crystal displayapparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, configuration of anopposite electrode CE and an insulating layer 106 are different fromthat of the above-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 accordingto the first embodiment.

FIGS. 16 and 17 schematically show a configuration example of a displaypixel of the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment. The array substrate 101 includes a pixel electrode PE and aninsulating layer 106 arranged on the pixel electrode PE.

The pixel electrode PE includes a plurality of slits SLT extending inthe X-direction from an edge extending in a direction (Y-direction)approximately crossing its longitudinal direction (X-direction). Aninsulating layer 106 is arranged on the slit SLT of the pixel electrodePE. The insulating layer 106 covers the edge of the pixel electrode PEin which the slits SLT are provided and the slits SLT.

In the present embodiment, the opposite substrate 102 does not include arib. The opposite electrode CE includes a slit CEA from which theelectrode is removed so as to extend in the Y-direction in a positionfacing the pixel electrode PE. The slit CEA is formed when the oppositeelectrode CE is patterned.

The insulating layer 106 is arranged on the opposite electrode CE so asto cover the slit CEA. The end of the insulating layer 106 is configuredsuch that its thickness (width in the Z-direction) gradually decreasesin the X-direction.

In the case shown in FIG. 15, the end of the insulating layer 106 variesin thickness such that the inclination surface (surface contacting theliquid crystal layer LQ via an orientation film) forms an acute angle ina clockwise direction with respect to the substrate surface of theopposite substrate 102.

In the present embodiment, an end P2 of the insulating layer 106arranged on the opposite electrode CE is positioned in a region betweena position of the edge P1 to which the slit SLT extends and a positionof the edge extending in the Y-direction of the slit CEA.

The slit CEA, the slit SLA, and the insulating layer 106 are arrangedsuch that a distance L1 from the edge of the pixel electrode PE alongthe Y-direction to the tip P1 of the slit SLT, a distance L2 from thetip of the slit SLT to tee end P2 of the insulating layer 106, and adistance L3 from the tip P1 of the slit SLT to the slit CEA becomeapproximately equal.

By thus providing the slit CEA and arranging the slit SLT and theinsulating layer 106, an originating point P1 of the inclinationoperation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA due to distortion inelectric field in the vicinity of the tip of the slit SLT and anoriginating point P2 of the inclination operation of the liquid crystalmolecules LQA at the end of the insulating layer 106 are generated indifferent positions in the X-direction, as in the case of the liquidcrystal display apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus according to the presentembodiment, the edge P2 of the insulating layer 106 and the tip P1 fromwhich the slit SLT extends are arranged in this order toward the edge ofthe pixel electrode PE from the position in which the slit CEA isarranged, with respect to the X-direction.

Accordingly, the inclination operation of the liquid crystal moleculespropagates from the tip P1 of the slit SLT and the edge P2 of theinsulating layer 106, as well as from the edge of the pixel electrode PEand the end of the slit CEA. Accordingly, the distance between theoriginating points of the inclination operation propagation of theliquid crystal molecules LQA can be decreased.

As a result thereof, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 17, the inclinationoperation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA propagates throughout thedisplay pixel PX from the originating point of the inclination operationpropagation of the liquid crystal molecules, and the response time ofthe liquid crystal molecules LQA is decreased.

Conventionally, when the tone varies in the case where the slit SLT andthe insulating layer 106 are not provided, the maximum value of theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA was approximately 200ms. By providing the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 as describedabove, the maximum value of the response time of the liquid crystalmolecules LQA when the tone varies has been improved to less than orequal to approximately 100 ms.

That is, according to the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of thepresent embodiment, as in the case of the above-described liquid crystaldisplay apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, delay in time required forresponse propagation of the liquid crystal molecules is improved, and aliquid crystal display apparatus excellent in display qualities can beprovided.

Next, a liquid crystal display apparatus according to the eighthembodiment will be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. A liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment comprises an array substrate 101 and an opposite substrate102, as in the case of the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 accordingto the above-described first embodiment. In the liquid crystal displayapparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, configuration of anopposite electrode CE and an insulating layer 106 are different fromthat of the above-described liquid crystal display apparatus 1 accordingto the first embodiment.

FIGS. 18 and 19 schematically show a configuration example of a displaypixel of the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the presentembodiment. The array substrate 101 includes a pixel electrode PE and aninsulating layer 106 arranged on the pixel electrode PE.

The pixel electrode PE includes a plurality of slits SLT extending inthe X-direction from an edge extending in a direction (Y-direction)approximately crossing its longitudinal direction. The insulating layer106 is arranged on the pixel electrode PE. The insulating layer 106covers the edge of the pixel electrode PE in which the slits SLT areprovided.

In the present embodiment, a tip to which the slit SLT extends isarranged in a region between a position of the end of the insulatinglayer 106 arranged on the pixel electrode PE and a position in which therib 104 is arranged. The end of the insulating layer 106 arranged on thepixel electrode is configured such that its thickness (width in theZ-direction) gradually decreases in the X-direction.

In the case shown in FIG. 19, the end of the insulating layer 106 andthe end of the rib 104 vary in thickness such that the inclinationsurface (surface contacting the liquid crystal layer LQ via anorientation film) forms an acute angle in a clockwise direction withrespect to the substrate surface of the opposite substrate 102.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, theopposite substrate 102 does not include a rib. The opposite electrode CEincludes a slit CEA from which the electrode is removed so as to extendin the Y-direction in the position facing the pixel electrode PE. Theslit CEA is formed when the opposite electrode CE is patterned.

The slit CEA, the slit SLA, and the insulating layer 106 are arrangedsuch that a distance L1 from the edge of the pixel electrode PE alongthe Y-direction to the tip P1 of the slit SLT is approximately double adistance L2 from the tip of the slit SLT to the end P2 of the insulatinglayer 106, and a difference (L1−L2) between distance L1 and distance L2,distance L2 from the tip of the slit SLT from the end P2 of theinsulating layer 106 to the tip P1 of the slit SLT, and a distance L3from the tip P1 of the slit SLT to the slit CEA become approximatelyequal.

By thus providing the slit CEA instead of the rib 104 and arranging theslit SLT and the insulating layer 106, an originating point P1 of theinclination operation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA due todistortion in electric field in the vicinity of the tip of the slit SLTand an originating point P2 of the inclination operation of the liquidcrystal molecules LQA at the end of the insulating layer 106 aregenerated in different positions in the X-direction, as in the case ofthe liquid crystal display apparatus 1 according to the firstembodiment.

In the liquid crystal display apparatus according to the presentembodiment, the tip P1 to which the slit SLT extends and the edge P2 ofthe insulating layer 106 are arranged in this order toward the edge ofthe pixel electrode PE from the position in which the slit CEA isarranged, with respect to the X-direction.

Accordingly, the inclination operation of the liquid crystal moleculespropagates from the tip P1 of the slit SLT and the edge P2 of theinsulating layer 106, as well as from the edge of the pixel electrode PEand the end of the slit CEA. Accordingly, the distance between theoriginating points of the inclination operation propagation of theliquid crystal molecules LQA can be decreased.

As a result thereof, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 19, the inclinationoperation of the liquid crystal molecules LQA propagate throughout thedisplay pixel PX from the originating point of the inclination operationpropagation of the liquid crystal molecules, and the response time ofthe liquid crystal molecules LQA is decreased.

Conventionally, when the tone varies in the case where the slit SLT andthe insulating layer 106 are not provided, the maximum value of theresponse time of the liquid crystal molecules LQA was approximately 200ms. By providing the slit SLT and the insulating layer 106 as describedabove, the maximum value of the response time of the liquid crystalmolecules LQA when the tone varies has been improved to less than orequal to approximately 100 ms.

That is, according to the liquid crystal display apparatus 1 of thepresent embodiment, as in the case of the above-described liquid crystaldisplay apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, delay in time required forresponse propagation of the liquid crystal molecules is improved, and aliquid crystal display apparatus excellent in display qualities can beprovided.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments,and may be embodied by modifying the structural elements within thescope of the invention. For example, in the liquid crystal displayapparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments, two steps areformed on the surface of the opposite substrate 102 by the rib 104 andthe insulating layer 106, which are insulating materials with differentthicknesses, but further steps may be provided between the edge of therib 104 and the end of the insulting layer 106 by stacking two or moreinsulating layers.

In that case, the newly provided end of the insulating layers is formedso as to gradually decrease in thickness. Thereby, the end becomes anoriginating point for inclination operation propagation of the liquidcrystal molecules LQA, and the response time of the liquid crystalmolecules LQA when the tone varies is improved. Further, variousinventions can be formed by appropriately combining the structuralelements disclosed in the embodiments. For example, some of theconstituent elements disclosed in the embodiments may be deleted.Moreover, constituent elements according to different embodiments may becombined as appropriate.

For example, a polymer sustained alignment (PSA) technique of mixing amonomer that can be polymerized by light or heat into liquid crystals,polymerizing the monomer in a state in which the liquid crystalmolecules are inclined by applying a voltage, and storing theinclination direction of the liquid crystal molecules may be combinedwith the above-described embodiments. According to the PSA technique,since the polymerized film that stores the inclination of the liquidcrystal molecules is formed in an interface between the liquid crystalsand the orientation film, a strong orientation control power isobtained, and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal moleculesis defined in advance. It is therefore effective for improvement inresponse time to combine this technique with the above-describedembodiments.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

1. (canceled) 2: A liquid crystal display apparatus, comprising: a firstsubstrate; a first electrode; a second substrate; a second electrodefacing the first electrode; and a liquid crystal layer interposedbetween the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein an edgeportion of the first electrode includes a plurality of protrusions and aplurality of first slits between the plurality of protrusions, the firstslit extends in a first direction, the plurality of protrusions arearranged in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a shapeof the plurality of protrusions is a taper shape. 3: The liquid crystaldisplay apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: aninsulating layer located between the first electrode and the secondelectrode, and a second slit, in which the second electrode is notformed, located adjacent to the second electrode. 4: The liquid crystaldisplay apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an end of the insulatinglayer is positioned closer to the second slit than a tip of saidplurality of first slits, in the first direction. 5: The liquid crystaldisplay apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a distance from the edgeportion of the first electrode to the tip of said plurality of firstslits, a distance from the tip of the first slit to the end of theinsulating layer, and a distance from the end of the insulating layer toan end of the second slit are equal, in the first direction. 6: Theliquid crystal display apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a tip ofsaid plurality of first slits is positioned closer to the second slitthan an end of the insulating layer in the first direction. 7: Theliquid crystal display apparatus according to claim 6, wherein adistance from the edge portion of the first electrode to the end of theinsulating layer, a distance from the end of the insulating layer to thetip of the first slit, and a distance from the tip of the first slit toan end of the second slit are equal, in the first direction. 8: Theliquid crystal display apparatus according to claim 2, wherein theliquid crystal layer is formed of a liquid crystal material havingnegative dielectric constant anisotropy. 9: The liquid crystal displayapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the shape of the protrusions isa trapezoid. 10: The liquid crystal display apparatus according to claim2, wherein the first direction is substantially orthogonal to the seconddirection. 11: The liquid crystal display apparatus according to claim3, wherein the insulating layer overlaps with the plurality ofprotrusions and the plurality of first slits. 12: The liquid crystaldisplay apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second slit overlapswith the first electrode. 13: The liquid crystal display apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein a length of the second slit in the seconddirection is longer than a length of the second slit in the firstdirection. 14: The liquid crystal display apparatus according to claim2, wherein the first electrode includes a first region formed with theplurality of the protrusions and a second region not formed with theplurality of the protrusions, and a length of the first region in thefirst direction is longer than a length of the second region in thefirst direction. 15: The liquid crystal display apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the first electrode includes a first region formed withthe plurality of the protrusions and a second region not formed with theplurality of the protrusions, and a length of the second region in thesecond direction is longer than a length of the second region in thefirst direction. 16: The liquid crystal display apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein a response time of a liquid crystal molecular is 100(ms) or less. 17: The liquid crystal display apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the first direction is a longitudinal direction of thefirst electrode. 18: The liquid crystal display apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the first electrode is a pixel electrode and the secondelectrode is a common electrode.